Natural regeneration of Corsican pine (Pinus nigra subsp. laricio) in Great Britain

Abstract

Factors affecting the natural regeneration of Corsican pine (Pinus nigra subsp. laricio (Poir.) Maire) are reviewed and, based on this, a preliminary set of guidelines is offered. Satisfactory natural regeneration of Corsican pine is generally more difficult to achieve compared with that of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). However, it is possible if a patient approach is adopted. Good seed years occur every 3-5 years and it is important to initiate operations which will take advantage of these 'mast' years. The main aim should be to produce > 5000 seedlings ha-1 of advance regeneration at least 50 cm tall before commencing fellings. This bank of advance regeneration can be developed by: (1) increasing seed supply (e.g. by including coning as a selection criteria when thinning and using rotations in excess of 70 years); (2) preparing a seedbed before seed fall by disturbing organic matter on the soil surface and controlling vegetation; and (3) protecting the seedlings from browsing mammals.